Anti-government radicals have brought a lot of attention to our nation's public lands. Armed with guns and a twisted agenda, they've taken over one of our nation’s oldest wildlife refuges, Malheur Refuge near Burns, Oregon. With comical claims that it's illegal for the federal government to own land, they've vowed to remain until the refuge relinquishes ownership.
I chuckle as the media broadcasts the Bundy brigade's demands to have the refuge "returned to the people". Returned to who? I want to ask. Bundy and his militia? For 107 years the refuge has belonged to all Americans. You, me and future generations of Americans. It is not their private land, never has been. These guys need a history lesson.
San Isabel National Forest- Colorado |
I chuckle as the media broadcasts the Bundy brigade's demands to have the refuge "returned to the people". Returned to who? I want to ask. Bundy and his militia? For 107 years the refuge has belonged to all Americans. You, me and future generations of Americans. It is not their private land, never has been. These guys need a history lesson.
Caribou National Forest -Idaho |
The concept of national wildlife refuges as a tool to protect wild habitats was first conceived in 1903 by one of our oldest hunting organizations, the venerable Boone and Crockett Club and its influential founder, Teddy Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, an avid hunter, had witnessed the near extinction of American buffalo as well as wading birds decimated for their plumes. Demand for fashionable ladies hats combined with unregulated hunting meant that a safe-haven or " refuge" for wildlife was needed. From its 3 acre start with
Coeur d'Alene National Forest- Idaho |
Here in Arkansas our position within the Mississippi flyway has benefited us with the establishment of ten national wildlife refuges. Most protect dwindling bottomland forest and wetlands along flood prone rivers that serve as stop-over points for migratory waterfowl. Though they have a "wildlife first" mandate they also provide some of the finest deer and duck hunting in the nation.
Uncompahgre National Forest- Colorado |
The attack on Mahleur, should be a wake up call. A warning, like the canary in the coal mine, to all sportsmen about this growing threat toward our public wild lands.
As America grows more crowded and disconnected from nature (94% of the US population lives in metropolitan areas) public lands will be increasingly vulnerable to changing political winds, exploitation, and indifference.
National Forest Lands- Idaho |
Fortunately today's sportsmen remain the strongest advocate and best hope for securing the future of our public wild-lands. Any call to steal our public wild-lands from us will be met with overwhelming objection from those who revere it the most. The American sportsmen.
Jim Taylor
Excellent work here and a message that needs to be heard by all outdoors folk everywhere.
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